The Flutist's Tale

ANNOYING ADAGIO


In one of the larger rooms of the traditional Japanese manor, a young man slowly sipped his cup of tea while glancing at the view from his open window. A couple of lavender colored strands escaped from the band that tied his long hair into a ponytail. As his amber eyes gazed upon the luminous full moon, his attention was actually diverted to something else.

Or rather, to someone else.

A certain someone with long layers of crimson hair and a smile that could brighten even the darkest depth of his grim heart. She would always wince at the sight of him, turn scarlet whenever he teased her, and totally drove him out of his mind. His life before he encountered her was bland, but she had added something he could look forward to when he wakes up.

Did he love her? Now that’s a hard question to answer. Well, that was because Yunoki Azuma didn’t know what love really was about. Nor did he really care.

But one thing’s for sure.

He finds her amusing.

He enjoyed her presence, and how she had given more color on his stale existence. And he didn’t care for her to be away from his side. Of course he was constantly jealous of how she was always cheerful around his best friend Hihara, how she confided her thoughts to Tsuchiura, how she respected Shimizu’s passion for music, and how she admires and looks up to Tsukimori. He had always been exasperated by her density for not realizing the hints that those four guys had been giving her. (Well, in Hihara’s case, his hints were not really as subtle).

He chuckled fondly at the memory of how he kissed her head with all those rivals of him watching. It was a spur of the moment, but he savored her flaming red cheeks and totally flustered look afterwards.

Yunoki then remembered what happened a few months earlier, when he was about to comply with yet another of his esteemed grandmother’s orders. That time the order was for him to move to England. In an irritated feat, he had gone up to the rooftop that day, as it was his favorite spot. Away from those aggravating trio of worshippers. It was also the best place to see the whole academy, the place that he would soon leave.

To his surprise, he had encountered her –of all people. Perhaps it was then that it hit him. He was going to leave her. And when he imagined his life without her, those words just escaped his mouth without warning. For the first time, he had let his guards down and had let his emotions take control.

“Will you come with me?”

Those were his exact words to her. He had said it in a moment of sheer stupidity. He didn’t know what kind of answer that he should expect from her. But still, he found it strange that there was a tiny place in his heart that had rooted for her to say yes.

Strange.

Was it… hope?

Or was it something more?

Well, whatever that feeling was, it didn’t matter because she had declined. He smiled as if he was just teasing her at that time, but why was it that he felt a sharp pang on his chest when she said that?

He was too proud to admit that she had gotten so much space on his head, but still it hit him at that moment that she didn’t hold any special place for him in her heart.

Yunoki smirked bitterly at the memory. That was why he had held that ‘last dinner’. She just thought that it was the called the ‘last dinner’ because he was going to leave for England.

How dense, Yunoki tsked. She really has no class. To actually presume that my way of thinking is that simple. I was letting you go, Kahoko.

And that day, he had really said goodbye. Like he always did, he let the things that mattered most of him go.

It was the best time to do it anyway. Should that grandmother of his found out that Hino Kahoko’s existence had caused him to break free from the matriarch’s iron grip, then who knows what will happen to that dense violinist? He had to cut her from his life, before it was too late.

And she wouldn’t stand a chance either if she had chosen to go with him, and take the place to be by his side. She would be crushed in no time, and that intriguing smile of hers would slowly disappear. She would hate her existence as much as he did now.

In a way, you could say that he was protecting her.

But why? Why was he trying to protect her? He didn’t understand it either.

He didn’t know what to feel, what to think, or even what to do. He didn’t know which emotions rumbling inside him were real, and which were created from all the denial that he had been living with all his life. And furthermore he couldn’t seem to get her out of his head.

Just as always, Kahoko. You are annoying.

He strained a smile and took the flute by his side. Slowly he stepped outside to the garden until he reached a pond that reflected the moon’s lonely existence on the starless sky. As he breathed life to the slender brass instrument, a tune washed over him. His long delicate fingers danced skillfully as it created a familiar string of melody. It was the same song that he had played on the first day he showed her his darker side.

Albinoni’s Adagio.

Memories of her came rushing to him, and he allowed himself to drown in the melancholy mood of his own flute. It would be the last time that he allowed himself to think of her again. He knew that he wouldn’t have any regrets.

Just having her blush uncomfortably every now and then when he was around would be enough.

Just her annoying existence is enough.

THE UNEXPECTED RIVAL

“Ohayo gozaimasu, Yunoki-sama!!” a music department student with red curled hair said, together with her two other friends, one with brown hair and the other with green hair. They are fans of Yunoki Azuma, a third year student who is very popular and worshipped by half the population of the school, or in short, the girls.

“Why, good morning, girls,” Yunoki started, and even though he’s not finished yet, the girls had almost fainted. Then he continued, sending his princely smile that can make every girl, well, most girls, faint.

“It’s such a nice morning, isn’t it?”

“Yunoki-sama!!!” every single girl in the front gate said in unison, fainting altogether after Yunoki smiled at them. Looking at the girls swoon over Yunoki like that, a certain red head that had just arrived all tired because of running to school, sweatdropped.

‘Those girls will never change… Not even a bit,’ the red head thought, smiling. Unfortunately for her, the prince of harem caught her smiling all to herself like a crazy person.

“Ohayo, Hino-san,” the purple-haired prince said to the girl.

“Ohayo, Yunoki-senpai,” she said, then tried to run away from his sight by walking to her class as fast as she can.

When she was in a place where no one was around, she suddenly felt an evil aura behind her.

“Why do you always have such a stupid face in the morning? Are you crazy or something, smiling to yourself?” Yunoki whispered in the red haired violinist’s ear.

“Y-Yunoki-senpai!” Hino said when she realized that the evil aura she sensed before came from her senpai.

“You should get going, Hino-san, you’ll be late for class,” Yunoki said, smiling like a prince.

‘Demon,’ Hino thought, but she snapped out a second later then ran to her class as quick as a lightning. After seeing that, Yunoki too went to his class, chuckling.

“You never cease to amuse me, Kahoko.”

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

“Okay, class, that’s it for today’s lesson. By the way, before you go off to lunch, I have an announcement for you. You are all invited to Yunoki Azuma’s birthday party on this Saturday, which is unfortunately, two days from now. It’s a formal party, so I guess you should wear dresses and such, like how you would go to the graduation ball. The venue will be in the Royal Hotel’s Grand Ballroom, and it will start at 7 pm. Based on the note I got, you are obligated to bring a date to the party. That’s all. Oh, wait. There’s another note. It says that Yunoki Azuma will introduce his girlfriend to all of you on that birthday party of his,” the teacher said.

“Yunoki Azuma has a girlfriend????” all of the students in the class shouted in unison, except for Hino and her two friends.

“Yunoki-senpai has a girlfriend? Well, that’s new. We totally have to go,” Nao (A/N: don’t know her last name… ^^) said.

“You’re right!! But we have to get a date first, then we could go,” Mio (A/N: Don’t know hers either…) said. Then she suddenly looked at Hino with glowing eyes.

“Kaho-chan!!! The Violin Romance will finally come true!!! I call this a Birthday Violin Romance!!” Mio said, excited.

“What are you talking about, Mio-chan?? And anyway, that name makes no sense at all,” Hino said, sweatdropping.

“I agree with her, Mio-chan,” Nao said, nodding. But then, she continued, “But I’m wondering, who will your date be? Is it gonna be Tsukimori? Or maybe it’ll be Tsuchiura??”

“Or maybe Hihara-senpai??” Mio said, with the same excitement.

“What about Shimizu-kun??” Nao asked Mio.

“Let’s leave him out, he has Fuyuumi-chan,” Mio answered firmly, but still excited. Then, the two best friends of the female violinist asked her in unison.

“Who is it gonna be???”

“Mio, Nao, you’re scaring me…” Hino said. They were so busy talking; they didn’t even know that the teacher had already gone out. A while later, she realized that they didn’t even mention Yunoki.

“Hey, I just realized. You didn’t mention Yunoki-senpai,” Hino said after a while.

“Well, of course he won’t be your date!! He’s the king of the party, and he even said that he’ll introduce his girlfriend!! Wait a minute! Don’t tell me that you’re his girlfriend!!” Mio said, getting all excited again.

“Of course I am…not!!” Hino said. She paused after saying am on purpose, to see how her friends looked like.

“Oh my god, I thought you said of course I am,” Nao said.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Hino was leaning on the railings, enjoying how the wind felt on her skin, when suddenly the door to the rooftop where she’s in right now slammed open. It revealed a cheerful guy with green, almost lime, hair, carrying lots of food.

“Kaho-chan!!!” Hihara said, approaching Hino.

“Hihara-senpai!!” Hino said, smiling.

“Are you practicing?” Hihara asked with a big smile planted on his face, sitting down on one of the benches.

“No, I’m just looking around. Wow, that’s a lot of food you got there,” Hino replied, grinning.

“You want some?” Hihara offered some of his food to Hino.

“No thanks, senpai. I don’t feel like eating, and I’m kinda full anyway,” Hino said, declining his offer.

“Hey, Kaho-chan,” Hihara said.

“Yes, Hihara-senpai?” Hino replied.

“You’ve heard the announcement about Yunoki’s party, right?” Hihara said.

“Yeah, the teacher announced it before,” Hino said, sitting opposite to Hihara.

“Well, w-w-wouldyoucomewithmethere?” Hihara said quickly.

“Sorry, senpai, I didn’t hear you quite well,” Hino said.

“I-I was s-saying, w-would you c-c-come w-with me t-to the p-party?” Hihara stuttered.

“Oh, that’s what you were saying,” Hino said. Then she continued, “Well, I guess that wouldn’t hurt.”

“Really??” Hihara said, very happy.

“But unfortunately, I can’t go with you,” Hino said, finally, looking very sad.

“Eh? Someone asked you already??” Hihara asked, disappointed.

“Well, you can say that,” Hino said.

“Are you gonna tell me who it is??” Hihara said.

“No! You’ll have to find out in the party!!” Hino said, grinning, then ran out of the rooftop. On the way downstairs, she bumped into another green-haired guy, which is none other than Tsuchiura Ryoutarou, a pianist from the Gen Ed department.

“Hey, watch it, Hino,” Tsuchiura said, looking at the girl in front of him, smiling.

“Whoops, sorry, Tsuchiura-kun,” Hino said, smiling back.

“Were you practicing? Oh, no, you don’t have your violin with you, so that means you weren’t,” Tsuchiura said, trying to start a conversation.

“Where are you going, Tsuchiura-kun?” Hino asked.

“I was going to the roof, looking for you, actually,” Tsuchiura said.

“Oh, I see. Why were you looking for me?” Hino asked curiously.

“I was gonna ask whether you already have a date or not,” Tsuchiura said, looking away, trying to hide his blush.

“We’re talking about the date for Yunoki-senpai’s party, right?” Hino said.

“Yeah,” Tsuchiura replied, nervous about her answer.

“S-sorry, I can’t go with you,” Hino answered, looking down.

“Oh, that’s okay. Someone asked you already?” Tsuchiura asked, disappointed.

“Y-yeah,” Hino replied.

“Oh, okay. By the way, is anyone in the roof?” Tsuchiura said.

“Uh, when I left Hihara-senpai was still there,” Hino said.

“Hihara-senpai?” Tsuchiura said.

“Yeah. Well, see you around, then, Tsuchiura-kun,” Hino said, walking away, going to her class.

“Bye,” Tsuchiura said.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

“So, Kaho-chan, have you got a date?” Mio asked.

“Uh, no, why did you ask?” Hino replied.

“She said that because she got one,” Nao answered for Mio.

“You got one?? Who is it??” Hino asked, all excited.

“It’s Sasaki from the soccer club,” Mio answered.

“Oh, he’s Tsuchiura-kun’s friend, isn’t he?” Hino said.

“Yup. He’s in our class, just in case you haven’t realized, since your head is full of Tsuchiura,” Nao said.

“What are you talking about, Nao-chan??” Hino said, blushing.

“Nothing, I was just joking, you know, Kaho-chan,” Nao said.

‘Am I really that fun to tease??’ Hino thought, remembering about Yunoki.

“Well, what about you, Nao-chan?” Mio asked.

“What?” Nao said.

“Have you got a date?” Mio asked.

“Of course not, who would ask me of all people to be their date?” Nao said.

“Oh, maybe Kaho-chan could recommend you to the people she’s going to dump,” Mio said, smiling slyly.

“Let me ask you one question, Kaho-chan. How many people asked you to be their date so far?” Nao asked.

“Uh, a-actually, t-two,” Hino said, stuttered, to be exact.

“Two?! And you rejected BOTH of them??” Nao said.

“Uh, well, yeah,” Hino said.

“Oh, my, poor them,” Mio said.

“I feel sorry for them. By the way, who asked you?” Nao said.

“Hihara-senpai and Tsuchiura-kun,” Hino answered.

“You rejected both of them??? Oh my god, if I was you I’ll ACCEPT both of them!” Mio said.

“Well, it couldn’t be helped,” Hino said.

“Chotto matte. Don’t tell me that you’re waiting for someone else to ask you??” Nao said.

“From the most possible candidates, only one person still hasn’t asked you yet,” Mio said. Then Hino’s two best friends looked at each other, nodded, then said in unison,

“Tsukimori Len!!”

“No, why are you thinking that I’m waiting for Tsukimori-kun??” Hino asked.

“Well, it’s because he’s the only one that hasn’t asked you yet! Tsuchiura-san and Hihara-senpai asked you already, and you dumped them. That means you’ll be going with Tsukimori-san!” Mio said, with glowing eyes.

“Mio-chan, you forgot to say that the Violin Romance will finally come true,” Nao said.

“Oh yeah, I was just going to say that,” Mio said.

‘Once again, they didn’t even consider Yunoki-senpai,’ Hino thought. Then she suddenly felt an urge to go to the rooftop again.

“Hey, we still have about 10 minutes left right?” Hino asked her friends.

“Yeah, why?” Mio said.

“I’m going to the rooftop again. Looking for some fresh air, before class starts. I’ll be back soon,” Hino said, walking to the rooftop.

“Okay, then,” Nao said.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

“Yunoki-sama!”

“Do you really have a girlfriend, Yunoki-sama??”

“Why are you doing this to us, Yunoki-sama??”

That is what the girls have been saying every time they got a chance to talk to Yunoki. Yunoki was totally annoyed by those fan girls of his, but he still managed to cover his annoyance.

“Well, then, if you really want to know, just come to the party and see for yourself,” Yunoki said, smiling, then walked to the roof.

“Yunoki-sama!!!” the girls squealed for the billionth time today maybe.

When he reached the roof, he found himself leaning on the railings.

‘I need her presence so badly right now,’ Yunoki thought to himself. Then suddenly the door slammed open, revealing a Gen Ed student with red hair.

‘Speak of the devil,’ Yunoki thought, smirking evilly.

“Well, what do we have here? What a coincidence, I was just thinking about you, Kahoko,” Yunoki said, smiling slyly.

“Would you please stop teasing me, Yunoki-senpai?” Hino said walking towards the purple-haired prince of harem, then leans on the railing beside him.

“You know what; I shouldn’t have put that other extra note about introducing my girlfriend. Because of that news, those stupid fan girls became more annoying,” Yunoki said, his voice filled with irritation.

“Why are the students obligated to bring a date, anyway?” Hino asked out of curiosity.

“Just for fun,” Yunoki answered shortly.

“Mio and Nao have been asking this silly question about who’s gonna be my date for your party, you know,” Hino said.

“Hn,” Yunoki ignored Hino.

“They were asking whether it would be Hihara-senpai, Tsuchiura-kun, or Tsukimori-kun. And you know what, Hihara-senpai and Tsuchiura-kun actually asked me before at lunch,” Hino continued.

“And what did you do? Did you accept them?” Yunoki said, pulling Hino closer and took a strand of her red hair into his hand.

“Of course not!” Hino exclaimed.

“Good girl. Here’s your reward,” Yunoki said, then kisses Hino on the lips.

“Waah!!! W-w-what was that for?!” Hino said, blushing from head to toe.

'That was the boldest move he had ever made!!! And so suddenly!!!' Hino thought.

“You never cease to amuse me, my sweet Kahoko,” Yunoki said.

“Since when did I become yours??” Hino exclaimed, still blushing.

“What did you just say?” Yunoki suddenly said, his eyes showing an evil glint, approaching Hino. Hino took some steps backwards, until she met a wall, again. Yunoki pinned her on the wall, as usual, and Hino just stared at him, afraid.

“Seriously, that face was ridiculously stupid. I was just kidding. I’ll wait for you in the front gate after school. You’re going to my house today,” Yunoki said, chuckling.

“Senpai!! Stop teasing me!!” Hino said, but Yunoki ignored her and just walked out of the door, leaving her all-flushed.

‘He’ll never change,’ Hino thought, smiling.

(A/N: Let’s jump to the next morning… I’ll let you imagine what happens to Hino in Yunoki’s house… ^^)

“I’m LATE!!! I’m late! I’m late!!!” Hino exclaimed while running in the sidewalk. For the countless time, she was late again. Suddenly, a black car stopped next to her and the window slid open, revealing her bipolar senpai.

“Come inside, I’ll give you a ride,” Yunoki said.

“Thanks for the offer, but no thanks,” Hino said, still running.

“I’ve never said that this was an offer,” Yunoki said, opening the door, and then he grabbed her wrist and pulled her in.

“…”

“Why are you so silent?” Yunoki said after a while of awkward silence.

“Well, I don’t know what to say,” Hino said.

“Okay then, in that case. You’re no fun today, Kahoko,” Yunoki said.

“Senpai,” Hino said.

“I told you not to call me senpai or worse, my last name, at least when we're alone,” Yunoki stated.

“What do you think will happen after tomorrow? I think the fan girls would be enraged,” Hino said.

“Not really,” Yunoki said.

“Why are you answering me so shortly? I’m just trying to start a small talk,” Hino said, pouting. Then suddenly, she was pulled into a kiss by the purple-haired bishounen sitting beside her. For some awkward and weird reason, she kissed back. And after a while, Yunoki pulled back.

“You look so cute when your face is all red,” Yunoki said, chuckling.

“Makes me wanna kiss you more,” he added, whispering in her ear with his evil voice.

“Yunoki-senpai!!!” Hino exclaimed, her blush darkening.

“Right, we arrived. I’ll get out first,” Yunoki said.

“Good morning, Yunoki-sama!!!” the trio of worshipful fans said in unison.

“Good morning girls,” Yunoki replied with his princely fake smile put on. While the girls are busy greeting him, Hino slipped out of the car, not getting any attention from the other students.

‘Lucky, no one spotted me this morning,’ Hino thought while sighing. Soon enough, she arrived in her class and walked to her seat, finding her two best friends talking.

“So you’re going with Tsuchiura-san to the party?” Mio asked Nao.

“Yeah, your date recommended me yesterday, remember?” Nao answered.

“Oh, yeah, I forgot that the four of us walked home together yesterday,” Mio said.

~Flashback~

“Oi, Tsuchiura, I heard you were dumped by Hino-san,” Sasaki started, grinning.

“Yeah, Kaho-chan told us. Was that true, or was it just because she was hiding the truth?” Mio said, supporting her so-called date.

“That’s true, she said someone asked her already,” Tsuchiura said.

“Someone did ask her already, but she rejected him, so she’s not supposed to have any dates,” Nao said.

“Yeah, she said Hihara-senpai asked her, and she rejected. When she was going downstairs from the roof, she ran into you, and you asked her, but she rejected as well,” Mio said.

“Well, Tsuchiura, if you’re dumped by Hino-san, why not go with her best friend right here? It’s much better than going with Amou Nami; don’t you think so, Mio-chan?” Sasaki said.

“Yeah, you’re right. Nao-chan hasn’t got any yet,” Mio said.

“But, then, Tsuchiura-san, if you don’t want to, it’s okay,” Nao said.

“That’s fine. I’m kinda curious about Yunoki-senpai’s girlfriend, and since we can’t go if we have no date, let’s just go together,” Tsuchiura said.

“Okay, in that case,” Nao replied.

~End Flashback~

“Sooo, you’re going with Tsuchiura-kun, ne, Nao-chan?” Hino said suddenly, making both of her friends surprised.

“Kaho-chan, when did you arrive?” Nao said, still surprised.

“When you started talking about your date,” Hino answered, taking her seat.

“Well, I wonder who will get your other leftover,” Mio said.

“What do you mean by leftover?” Hino asked.

“By leftover I mean the person you rejected,” Mio explained.

“Oh, I see. Well, it could be anyone,” Hino said.

“Maybe Mori-san or Shouji-san,” Nao said.

“No, Mori-san is going with Hihara-senpai’s accompanist, since she can’t possibly go with Shimizu-kun,” Hino said, sweatdropping at the memory of her accompanist discussing about who’s the best guy in the concours with Amou Nami last time.

“Why would she wanna go with Shimizu-kun?” Mio asked.

“Let’s just say, she’s a fan of his,” Hino said. After she said that, her two best friends sweatdrop.

“What about Shouji-san?” Nao asked.

“I heard from Shouko-chan that Shouji-chan wasn’t able to come. I also heard from a rumor that Shouji-chan didn’t want to come because Tsukimori-kun won’t accept her to be his date,” Hino replied.

“Speaking of Tsukimori, did he ask you yet?” Mio said.

“Why would he do that? I don’t even think that he’s going. He’s totally not that type of person,” Hino said.

“Nope, he’s definitely going. Tsuchiura-san said so,” Mio said.

“If Tsuchiura-kun said so, then he’s going. It must be his pride again,” Hino said.

“He’s gonna ask you for sure!! The Violin Romance will come true!!” Mio said with twinkling and glowing eyes.

“Well, well, speak of the devil,” Nao said, when she heard the other Gen Ed students sighing in awe when a certain Music student with azure hair walked into the class.

“What do you me-oh, Tsukimori-kun,” Hino said.

“May I have a word with you, please, Hino-san?” Tsukimori said.

“Uh, yes, of course,” Hino said, then following Tsukimori out of the class.

“Hey! Don’t worry, just take your time! Ishikawa-sensei is absent today!” Nao exclaimed.

“Ugh, Nao,” Hino muttered. And then, Tsukimori and Hino were walking around in the school, heading for the garden with the bells, since they thought that nobody would be there, and they’ll get more privacy. What they didn’t know is someone was watching them from the hallway’s glass window when he was going to class.

“Huh? I wonder what they’re doing down there,” Yunoki said. He was with his cheerful and happy friend Hihara at that time.

“Who are you looking at?” Hihara asked, looking out the window as well.

“Them,” Yunoki answered shortly. Hihara knew who exactly his best friend was looking at. He saw the two violinists walking together. Suddenly Hihara’s expression changed.

“Hey, Yunoki, do you think that they’re going out?” Hihara asked.

“Huh? What makes you say that?” Yunoki said, still looking at the two violinists.

“Well, uh, because, yesterday I asked Kaho-chan to be my date to your birthday party, and she declined. Then I saw Tsuchiura-kun, found out that he asked her too, but Kaho-chan also rejected him. I’m really curious about who her date is!!! I’ve been wondering if her date is Tsukimori-kun, and as you can see for yourself, they’re walking together,” Hihara said.

“So, does that mean you don’t have any date? Because you can’t come without one, you know. It will be a real shame if my own best friend couldn’t attend the party,” Yunoki said, smiling.

“Yeah I know that, but I don’t know who to ask,” Hihara replied, looking so sad because he can’t come to his own best friend’s birthday party.

“Just go with Miyabi then,” Yunoki offered, still smiling.

“Go with Miyabi-chan? Are you sure? I don’t even think she would go with me to her onii-sama’s party. I think she would have a better guy to go with,” Hihara said.

“No, she’ll go with you if I ask her to. She wants to attend the party but I didn’t allow her, so she’ll do anything to get inside the room,” Yunoki said.

“Well, if you say so,” Hihara said.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

“So, Tsukimori-kun, what do you have to say?” Hino said.

“I was wondering if you’d go with me to the party,” Tsukimori said.

“Oh, not you too… I’m sorry, but I can’t go with you. Someone asked me already,” Hino said.

“Oh, that’s okay,” Tsukimori said.

“By the way, Tsukimori-kun, it’s pretty unusual for you to attend a party,” Hino said.

“Well, that’s because I was forced to go by someone,” Tsukimori said, irritated.

‘Oh, so that’s what Tsuchiura-kun means by he’ll certainly go to the party… My, what pride…’ Hino thought, sweatdropping.

“What’s wrong, Hino-san?” Tsukimori asked.

“Nothing, ha-ha-ha, I was just thinking about something, ha-ha,” Hino said.

“Well, Tsukimori-kun, I have to go back to class now. Ja ne!” Hino exclaimed, running towards the Gen Ed building.

After Hino left…

“I feel so sorry for you, Tsukimori-kun. Kahoko-san dumped you…” a very familiar irritating voice (to most participants in the concours) was heard coming from behind Tsukimori. He turned around and found none other than the Amou Nami eavesdropping at their conversation, now revealing herself.

“A-Amou Nami,” Tsukimori said, a little stuttering.

“Well, then, Tsukimori-kun, aren’t you curious about who Kahoko-san’s date is?” Amou asked.

“It’s none of your business,” Tsukimori said.

“Well, I can see that you’re curious. How about being my date so you and I can enter? Don’t worry, Tsukimori-kun. As soon as we enter the ballroom I’ll be busy taking pictures and you can do anything you want. It’s not like I want to go with you or anything, I mean, who would? Even Kahoko-san rejected you,” Amou said.

“Deal,” Tsukimori said, walking away.

“Yeah, tomorrow’s gonna be an interesting event,” Amou muttered to herself while walking away from the park.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

It’s now around 6.45 pm on the day of the party. Tsuchiura was standing in front of the ballroom door, waiting for his friend Sasaki and his date Mio, together with Nao. Then he saw his trumpet player senpai arriving with a bishoujo in a traditional kimono.

“Tsuchiura-kun!” Hihara exclaimed when he saw Tsuchiura and ran towards him.

“Hihara-senpai! Uh, and who is this date of yours? She’s not a student in our school, but yet she seems very familiar,” Tsuchiura said, after looking at the girl with Hihara. She had dark brown hair; it was tied in a high bun, so he doesn’t know how long her hair is exactly. She was wearing an expensive-looking light purple kimono with some pink cherry blossom flower prints here and there which really looks good on her.

“Yeah, who is she, Hihara-senpai? She’s so beautiful,” Nao said.

‘Who’s this girl? She has a very high fashion taste, even though it’s very traditional, she really looks extraordinary. You can tell from how expensive that kimono looks. She must be very rich,’ Nao thought.

“My name is Yunoki Miyabi, Tsuchiura Ryoutarou-san. I am Yunoki Azuma’s little sister, and if you can recall, we’ve met once in one of onii-sama’s fiancée candidate incidents. It’s very nice to meet you again,” Miyabi said, and then bowing low.

“Oh, yeah! You’re Miyabi-san, the girl we met when Hino was posing as Yunoki-senpai’s fiancée!” Tsuchiura said.

“Yes, you’re right,” Miyabi said.

“So she is Yunoki-senpai’s sister, huh?” Nao said.

“Oh, Tsuchiura-kun, you’re with one of Kaho-chan’s friend. What’s your name again, oh, Nao-chan!” Hihara said.

“Yeah, I’m Nao, one of Kaho-chan’s best friends. My friend Mio is not here yet and we’re kinda waiting for her,” Nao said.

“Oh, I see. Hey, wait a minute! That’s Amou-san!!” Hihara exclaimed.

“And she’s with Tsukimori!” Tsuchiura added.

“What?! Amou-san with Tsukimori-san?! No way! I thought Tsukimori-san was going with Kaho-chan!!” Nao said.

“Oh! It’s Tsuchiura-kun, Hihara-senpai, and Nao-chan!!” Amou exclaimed, and then approached them, dragging the very sick looking Tsukimori with her.

“Amou-san, are you his date?” Tsuchiura asked.

“Yep, and it’s all because he got dumped by Kahoko-san!” Amou said.

“Tsukimori-san was dumped by Kaho-chan??” Mio said, suddenly showing up with her date, Sasaki, Tsuchiura’s soccer teammate.

“Yeah, and that makes me very curious,” Amou said, rubbing her chin.

“If Kaho-chan’s date is not one of you three, who is he?” Mio said.

“Well, let’s find out, shall we?” Tsuchiura said, walking to the man in a black suit and shades who is guarding the door, holding a name list.

“Name and class?” the guard asked Tsuchiura.

“Tsuchiura Ryoutarou, Gen Ed 2-5,” Tsuchiura said.

“Date?” the guard asked again.

“??? Nao, Gen Ed 2-2,” Nao said.

“Okay, name listed, you’re allowed to enter,” the guard said, ticking the names. Then, Tsuchiura and Nao entered the ballroom.

“Name and class?” the guard asked Sasaki.

“Sasaki, Gen Ed 2-2,” Sasaki said.

“Date?” the guard asked again.

“??? Mio, Gen Ed 2-2,” Mio said.

“Name listed, you’re allowed to enter,” the guard said, again ticking. After that, Sasaki and Mio entered the ballroom.

“Name and class?” the guard asked Hihara.

“Hihara Kazuki, Music 3-B,” Hihara said.

“Date?” the guard asked again.

“Yunoki Miyabi,” Miyabi said.

“Sorry, your name is not listed. You can’t enter,” the guard said.

“I’m sorry? I didn’t hear what you just said,” Miyabi said, shooting a death glare at the guard.

“Your name is not listed, what’s your name again? Yunoki Miyabi-san, ah!! Miyabi-sama!! Forgive my rudeness!! Of course you can enter, Miyabi-sama!” the guard said, bowing to Miyabi.

“Now that’s better. But still, I’m going to talk with onii-sama about this rudeness of yours. He might fire you,” Miyabi said.

“Gomenasai, Miyabi-sama!” the guard said again.

‘She’s pure evil,’ everybody who watched that scene thought.

“C’mon, let it go, Miyabi-chan, we’re making everybody wait,” Hihara said.

“I guess you’re right, Hihara-san,” Miyabi said. Then both of them went inside the ballroom together. When they entered, people from outside could hear some sighs when they saw the beautiful sister of the Yunoki Azuma.

“Name and class?” the guard asked again, this time to Tsukimori.

“Tsukimori Len, Music 2-B,” Tsukimori answered.

“Date?” the guard said.

“Amou Nami, Gen Ed 2-1,” Amou said.

“You’re allowed to enter,” the guard said.

“Wait. Mister, can I ask you a question?” Amou said.

“Yes, what is it?” the guard said with a bored tone.

“Has a girl called Hino Kahoko from General Education department class 2-2 arrived?” Amou asked.

“Hino Kahoko, Gen Ed 2-2, huh. Her name is not on the list, miss,” the guard said.

“What? How could that be? It’s supposed to be there! Let me check!” Amou said.

“Here, this is the list of class 2-2,” the guard said, showing Amou the checklist.

“Yeah, you’re right, her name really isn’t on the list,” Amou said.

“See? I told you. Now you should go in, you’re making all the people behind you wait,” the guard said again.

“Fine then,” Amou said, again, dragging Tsukimori inside the room. When they entered the room, everyone was in shock, looking at that odd couple, and then burst in laughter.

“Hmph, Amou Nami and Tsukimori Len! What kind of pair is that???” a student said, trying to resist his urge to laugh, but failed.

“Amou-san! You should take a picture of you and your date then put it on your newspaper’s front page!!” another student said, laughing.

“Shut up!! If you don’t shut up I’m gonna put every single pictures of your most embarrassing moments in the front page!! And believe me, I have those pictures,” Amou said evilly.

“Oh, it’s Amou-senpai and Tsukimori-senpai,” Fuyuumi said shyly.

“Tsukimori-senpai? And Amou-senpai?” Shimizu said, sleepily.

“Eh, look who it is!! Fuyuumi-chan and Shimizu-kun! My, you two look good together!” Amou said. Fuyuumi blushed, but in contrast, Shimizu just yawned like he doesn’t care about anything in the world.

“Fuyuumi-chan, I’m feeling sleepy, wake me up when Hino-senpai comes,” Shimizu said, walking towards a table, pulled a chair, then sleeps.

“S-Shimizu-kun,” Fuyuumi said.

“Fuyuumi-chan, do you have any idea who Kahoko-san’s date is?” Amou asked.

“No, I don’t,” Fuyuumi answered.

“Something fishy is going on around here,” Amou said.

“What do you mean by that, Amou-senpai?” Fuyuumi asked.

“Hino-chan’s name is not on the list, and nobody knows who her date is. She rejected the three most possible candidates, which are Hihara-senpai, Tsuchiura-kun, and Tsukimori-kun. Isn’t that weird?” Amou said.

“Well, everything is weird because you forgot someone, Amou-san,” Miyabi said, suddenly coming out of nowhere.

“Oh, you’re Hihara-senpai’s date. Who are you anyway?” Amou asked.

“My name is Yunoki Miyabi, Yunoki Azuma’s younger sister. I believe this is the first time we meet, so it’s not surprising that you did not recognize me, Amou-san. I’ve met Hihara-san, Tsuchiura-san, Tsukimori-san, Shimizu-san, and also Hino-san before, but I’ve heard some, uh, comments, about you from onii-sama and Hino-san,” Miyabi said.

“Oh, so you’re Yunoki-senpai’s younger sister. I’m Amou Nami, a second year in the General Education department, nice to meet you. Are you close to Kahoko-san?” Amou said.

“Yes, we meet often. So you’re in the same year as Hino onee-sama, I mean, Hino-san and in the journalism club, am I right?” Miyabi said.

“Yes, and what did you just call her before?” Amou asked.

“Sorry, just forget it. And who are you?” Miyabi said, turning her attention to Fuyuumi.

“M-my name is Fuyuumi S-Shouko, a first year in the M-Music department. I play the clarinet,” Fuyuumi said.

“Oh, so you’re Fuyuumi-san! It’s very nice to meet you in person. I’ve heard a lot about you from Hino-san. You’re a year older than me, and that makes you around Takashina Ayano-sama’s age,” Miyabi said.

“Takashina Ayano?” Amou said.

“She’s one of onii-sama’s ex-fiancées,” Miyabi said.

“ONE OF his ex-fiancées?!” Amou exclaimed.

“Yes, don’t you know that he has different fiancées every single week? But he gets rid of the ones he’s not very fond of by using some lame excuses like I already have a fiancée,” Miyabi explained.

‘Oh my, that guy is really something else. How many ex-fiancées does he have?!?!’ Amou thought.

“Oh, right! I wanna ask you something, Yunoki-san! Do you have any idea who Yunoki-senpai’s girlfriend is?” Amou asked.

“I know who she is, but I’m sorry, I can’t tell you. You’ll find out soon enough,” Miyabi said, walking away.

“Oh, she’s not fun at all. Is everyone in their family as well-mannered and shortly, perfect as she and her brother are?” Amou said, and then she sighed.

Suddenly the main door of the ballroom opened, revealing Yunoki and Hino, his girlfriend. Yunoki’s arm was wrapped around Hino’s waist. Everyone in the room except for Miyabi was stunned by the couple’s appearance. And then, suddenly Miyabi ran towards them.

“Onii-sama! Hino onee-sama!” Miyabi exclaimed.

“Miyabi-chan! I thought Yunoki-senpai, eh, I mean Azuma, didn’t allow you to come!” Hino said to Miyabi. She was wearing an elegant and expensive purple strapless dress with gold embroidery on the chest part. The middle to bottom part of her dress was ruffled nicely. She carried a gold glittery satin purse with her, and if anyone notices, she was wearing gold high heels with REAL diamonds on it.

“I allowed her to come because Hihara needs a date,” Yunoki said, smiling. He was wearing a black suit and his hair was tied in a ponytail with some strands of his hair let loose (A/N: Imagine his look on the second selection. If I remember correctly, that is the only black suit he wore, since he usually wears white suits, if you haven’t noticed.)

“Oh yeah, Hihara-senpai didn’t have a date because I rejected him,” Hino said. After that Miyabi ran back to the others.

“Amou-san! You were so curious about who onii-sama’s girlfriend is, weren’t you? Why don’t you come with me there and take a close look? And please everyone, come with me, I’ll introduce you to her,” Miyabi said, taking them to her onii-sama and his girlfriend.

“She’s such a bishoujo. What school does she go to? And not to mention that she looks so rich! Look at her dress! And her purse! And her heels!!” Amou said.

“She goes to Seiso Academy, also, Amou-san,” Miyabi said.

“Really? I don’t think I’ve seen her before,” Amou said.

‘Wow, that is an extraordinary make over you did to Hino onee-sama, onii-sama. Even her best friends can’t recognize her,’ Miyabi thought.

“Onii-sama! Onee-sama! These people really want to meet you two so badly. They have been asking me if I know anything about your girlfriend, you know, onii-sama,” Miyabi said to her brother.

“Wow, Yunoki Miyabi-san even called her onee-sama. So, who are you, Yunoki-senpai’s girlfriend-sama?” Amou asked.

“Nami-san, you don’t recognize me?” Hino said.

“Nope, have we met before?” Amou said.

“We meet at school everyday, Nami-san!!! Miyabi-chan, tell me, do I really look that different?? My best friends can’t even recognize me!” Hino said.

“You look really different, indeed, Hino onee-sama. You look, um, rich and beautiful,” Miyabi said.

“Really?” Hino asked.

“And the dress is really nice, did you pick it for her, onii-sama?” Miyabi said.

“Yes, I did,” Yunoki replied.

“I knew it!! You really have a perfect fashion taste, onii-sama! The dress really suits Hino onee-sama!” Miyabi praised her brother.

“Hino onee-sama?!” Amou exclaimed.

“Don’t tell me that you’re Kaho-chan?!?!” Mio and Nao said in unison.

“HINO KAHOKO?!?!?!?!” all the students who came to the party said in unison after they heard Miyabi say Hino and the two friends say Kaho.

“Wow, they finally recognize me,” Hino said.

“Kahoko-san, so you’re the famous girlfriend of Yunoki Azuma!” Amou exclaimed once again.

“Well, yeah, and that’s exactly why I rejected you three,” Hino said.

“Well, this is unexpected,” Tsuchiura said, shocked.

“S-s-since w-when?” Hihara stuttered.

“We’ve been going out for about two months now,” Yunoki said.

“W-why didn’t y-you t-tell me??” Hihara asked.

“Well, you were also hiding the fact that you liked Kahoko, right?” Yunoki said, matter-of-factly.

“Well, that’s t-true,” Hihara said, still stuttering.

“Since when did you become this close?” Tsuchiura asked.

“We had always been close to each other. It’s just that you guys didn’t notice it. If you ask me, between us I’ve always been the one closest to her, without you noticing. That’s a shame, you really should have known who your greatest rival is,” Yunoki said, smiling, and then kissed Hino on her forehead.

“Really, you’re an unexpected rival, Yunoki. I’ve never thought that you of all people would be Kaho-chan’s boyfriend!” Hihara said.

“I agree with you,” Tsuchiura said.

“You can count me in also,” Tsukimori said.

“But well, since our curiosity is already answered, let’s party!!” Amou exclaimed.

“Yeah!!!” everyone said in unison.

Lucky for Hino, Yunoki’s three most loyal fan girls were stuck outside the door asking the guard to open it for them. Their names weren’t typed in the list ‘accidentally’, and to add to that, they didn’t have any dates because of their loyalty to their precious Yunoki-sama. That’s a shame; they didn’t get to scream at Hino for taking Yunoki away from them…

“Kahoko? What are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be at school? You’re even in your school uniform,” Yunoki said, looking at Hino.

“Uh, well, yeah,” Hino said, trying to find the right words.

“In the end, I just have to go to England, huh,” Yunoki said. When he said that, Hino just looked down.

“You must be really happy, now that I’m gone, no one will be there to tease you and bully you all the time,” Yunoki added.

“Uh, yeah, of course,” Hino said sadly. Yunoki noticed this, but he continued saying what he had to say.

“I’ll tell you something. From this moment on, I will not be the Yunoki Azuma you know. You should keep that in mind,” Yunoki said, looking at Hino intently.

‘Oh, right. The guy that had always been so mean to me will be gone. Shouldn’t I be happy? At least I’m gonna live a more peaceful life now,’ Hino thought.

“O-okay, I will,” Hino said, looking down.

“What’s wrong with you? You don’t look, well, normal,” Yunoki asked in a fake concerned tone.

“Nothing, I’m, I’m just fine, perfectly fine, Yunoki-senpai,” Hino said.

‘She still calls me that, so I guess its okay for me to go,” Yunoki thought sadly.

“Well, then, it’s time for me to go now,” Yunoki said, smiling.

‘Once we separated, we’ll never meet again, never,” Hino thought sadly.

“G-Good luck in England,” Hino said.

“Good luck for you too, and do your best in your studies, oh, and in the violin also, of course,” Yunoki said.

“Uh, thank you,” Hino said.

“I’m glad that I met someone like you. Well then, goodbye, Hino-san,” Yunoki said, and then he turned around and walked towards the boarding gate.

“G-G-,” Hino stuttered. She was trying to say goodbye but for some reason she just can’t get it out of her mouth. Seeing her senpai walk further and further away from her, she felt tears falling down her cheeks, and the memories of their moments together came flooding into her mind. She finally realized her true feelings.

‘Haha, I’ve been really stupid all this time. And now it’s already too late,’ Hino thought, walking away. But she just can’t help but turning back and ran towards Yunoki.

“Yunoki-senpai!” she called while running, but he ignored her.

“Yunoki-senpai!!!” she called again, their distance is closer than before, but she was still ignored.

“Azuma!!!” she finally called, stopping, wanting to give up if he didn’t hear her. But Yunoki did hear her and stopped, finally looking back after hearing Hino’s voice.

‘She- Did I hear it right? Or was I just hallucinating?’ Yunoki thought, looking back at Hino. Realizing that he finally heard her, Hino ran towards him and hugged him like she’ll never let go.

“A-Azuma, d-don’t go,” Hino said, startling Yunoki. He had never thought that she would say that, especially not to him. And then she realized what she just said and pulled away.

“Ah, eh, I didn’t mean to- uh, umm, goodbye,” Hino said, smiling and waving her hand.

‘That’s right, if he cancels his departure again this time his grandmother will be furious, I can’t be selfish like this. I just can’t ask him to stay, no matter how much I love him,’ she thought, turning around and walked away, crying. Suddenly she felt arms wrapped around her, hugging her tightly.

“I really can’t say goodbye after all,” Yunoki whispered in Hino’s ear. Hino looked back and found Yunoki smiling at her.

“You never cease to amuse me, my sweet Kahoko. And you even managed to ruin my plan,” Yunoki said.

“W-why aren’t you going?” Hino asked, bewildered.

“Because I had to leave my favorite toy behind. I’ll die from boredom if I don’t have it with me,” Yunoki said.

“Y-Yunoki-senpai…” Hino said.

“Still calling me that?” Yunoki said, irritated.

“A-Azuma…” Hino said.

“That’s more like it, Kahoko,” Yunoki said, and then he pulled Hino into a romantic kiss.

Dolce Anima

She placed her scores on the stand and picked up her violin. A slight breeze blew as she bowed the first note of her piece. It screeched and she winced. Telling herself that she could do it, she continued. Finally making through the first page, she continued to the second. However, after flipping the page and seeing so many double stoppings and slurred pizzicato notes, she nearly wanted to cry. Dejected, she sat on a bench and placed her violin down beside her. Then she stared into blank space.

Something brought her back to Earth. It was someone's fingers stroking her hair. Shocked, she turned around and saw - "Yunoki-sempai!"

"Kahoko, why are you sighing? That face does not suit you, it makes you sooo ugly." her sempai said as he gently stroked her face.

"Sempai!" she tried to object.

"Please don't call me that anymore, or I'm going to be so hurt and angry at the same time..." he whispered into her ear.

"But, but..." she stuttered.

"You force yourself onto the violin too much, see how stressed up you are? Why don't you force yourself on me? I'll bet that would be more enjoyable..."

"Oh, please stop joking already!" she exclaimed despretely as her body temprature rose and her face flushed.

"Joking? I'm not joking. I'm seroius, why don't you try me for yourself?" he brought her closer to him by force, and kissed her. Her senses reeled. When he wrapped his arms around her body, she felt herself sinking beneath his embrace, they seem to melt together. Pure sensation overwhelmed her, she was kissing him back.

When she finally realised what she was actually doing, she pushed him away. "How could you?!" She confronted him even though her voice was trembling.

"You liked it didn't you? Don't deprive yourself of me..." his voice was as soft as silk.

Confused and frustrated, she opened the door and ran down the stairs, wanting to put as much distance between them as possible.

On the school's roof, he gave a slight smile. "I'll make you realise one day that you can never survive without me..."